This study explores the evolution of Molière's comedy as a careful amalgamation of comedy and philosophical satire.

From 1680 until the French Revolution, when legislation abolished restrictions on theatrical enterprise, a single theatre held sole proprietorship of Molière�

Up until the last century there was a tendency, among directors in the theatre and academic critics alike, to stress the philosophical and satirical content of

Moliere is considered the Shakespeare of France. Moliere's plays are enacted throughout the world in virtually every language, as much today as ever.

Questioning the usual judgements of political ethics, Ruth W. Grant argues that hypocrisy can actually be constructive while strictly principled behavior can be